The Elder Law Section seeks to improve understanding by members of the Washington State Bar Association of matters related to the representation of elderly citizens, recognizing that these individuals have unique legal needs and may be isolated, ill, or vulnerable to undue influence or exploitation. Issues commonly discussed relate to retirement and estate planning, powers of attorney, guardianship and other forms of substitute decision making, private and public long-term care and other healthcare financing, and abuse of vulnerable individuals.

The Section provides benefits to members through opportunities for education and consultation on issues relevant to elder law practice. Occasional seminars are complemented by the Section's active list serve—an ongoing conversation among members responding to questions and sharing insights. The Section also offers opportunities for serious exploration of systemic problems identified by members and for policy advocacy on issues relating to the administration of justice.

Donate to the Peter Greenfield Senior Advocacy Summer Internship Scholarship Fund: This scholarship provides a student at one of the three Washington law schools a summer internship in elder law at Northwest Justice Project, a non-profit legal aid organization dedicated to serving very low-income and marginalized populations.

For more information on the many benefits of section membership, see the Elder Law Section website. For general questions, please e-mail inquiries to sections@wsba.org.